Located just a few notches above the equator, Casa Mecano sits on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osa_Peninsula">Osa Peninsula</a> and enjoys a full dose of sun in a jungly, tropical environment. To minimize its impact on the site, which is rich in biodiversity, <a href="http://www.roblesarq.com/">Robles Arquitectos</a> designed the home using a modular system with a small footprint. The home takes advantage of the sun with a solar hot water system and moving sun shades that shield the interior from direct sunlight while allowing cooling sea breezes to enter.

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Casa Mecano-Robles Arquitectos

<a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.373293156036301.88489.120621177970168&amp;type=3" target="_blank">Casa Mecano</a> is the most recent project of Juan Robles of <a href="http://www.roblesarq.com/" target="_blank">Robles Arquitectos</a> and is a striking example of modern tropical architecture.

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Casa Mecano-Robles Arquitectos

Located on the Osa Peninsula, the home sits in close proximity to the famous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corcovado_National_Park">Corcovado National Park</a>, which is considered the most biologically intense place on earth.

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Casa Mecano-Robles Arquitectos

With such a biologically rich environment, the owners and the architect wanted to minimize their impact on the landscape while still enjoying their surroundings.

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Casa Mecano-Robles Arquitectos

They incorporated environmentally friendly practices into both the design and construction of the home.

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Casa Mecano-Robles Arquitectos

The footprint was kept minimal and the home is built using a modular steel structural system that reduced the amount of materials and waste created during construction.

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Casa Mecano-Robles Arquitectos

The modern home enjoys floor to ceiling windows to take in the sun and the views, but makes use of a large overhanging roof to protect the interior from direct sunlight.

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Casa Mecano-Robles Arquitectos

In the early mornings and the evening when the sun hits low on the horizon, direct sunlight can shoot right into the home.

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Casa Mecano-Robles Arquitectos

To minimize this effect, Robles designed a moveable shade that pivots to block that light when needed.

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Casa Mecano-Robles Arquitectos

In addition the home makes use of a solar thermal system on the roof and harvests and collects rainwater during the rainy season for irrigation.

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Casa Mecano-Robles Arquitectos

The mechanical shades move in order to block direct sunlight from entering the house.

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Casa Mecano-Robles Arquitectos

The moveable shades in action.

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Casa Mecano-Robles Arquitectos

Windows and doors slide open to enjoy the sea breezes and natural ventilation as a way to adapt to the environment.

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Casa Mecano-Robles Arquitectos

Views out over the deck and pool towards the Pacific Ocean.

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Casa Mecano-Robles Arquitectos

Located just a few notches above the equator, Casa Mecano sits on the Osa Peninsula and enjoys a full dose of sun in a jungly, tropical environment. To minimize its impact on the site, which is rich in biodiversity, Robles Arquitectos designed the home using a modular system with a small footprint. The home takes advantage of the sun with a solar hot water system and moving sun shades that shield the interior from direct sunlight while allowing cooling sea breezes to enter.